Assistant Director of Communications
Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County
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Job summary
MDHA seeks an experienced assistant director of communications to lead marketing, branding, messaging and communications strategy for the agency, shaping narratives that advance affordable housing in Nashville and strengthen communities.
In this high-impact leadership role, you will guide the communications team, manage the department budget, serve as a primary media contact, and collaborate with senior leaders and local partners to tell MDHA's story.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business administration or a related field.
- Eight or more years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media, marketing or a related field.
- Strong critical thinking and strategic judgment, with the ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications and recommend a clear course of action, particularly under pressure or during a crisis.
- Proficient in AP style, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, social media, Microsoft SharePoint, Monday.com and web-based tools.
- Strong eye for photography, design and visual storytelling.
- Experience managing team communications and providing leadership, direction or supervision.
- Ability to develop and implement communications strategies and manage multiple, deadline-driven projects.
- Experience with media relations and executive communications.
Responsibilities
- Lead marketing, branding, messaging and communications efforts for the agency.
- Develop, implement and evaluate communications plans aligned with agency priorities.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to the chief of staff and executive leadership, identifying needs and recommending approaches.
- Maintain consistent, accurate, audience-appropriate messaging across the agency.
- Manage communications projects and the content calendar with timelines and deliverables.
- Lead, coach and develop communications staff and contribute to day-to-day work.
- Establish priorities, expectations and performance goals.
- Manage and update the communications budget, vendors and resources.
- Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
- Write and distribute press releases, statements and materials to the media.
- Build relationships with local and regional media and prepare senior staff for interviews.
- Coordinate with the Mayor's Office and other metro public information officers.
- Engage with community leaders and partners.
- Write speeches, talking points and presentations; develop annual reports and calendars.
- Create and edit publications, newsletters, flyers and grant applications.
- Collaborate with departments to communicate programs and impact.
- Develop crisis communications procedures and coordinate crisis messaging.
- Plan high-profile events and represent leadership at events as assigned.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Shape the story. Strengthen the brand. Advance affordable housing in Nashville.
Open Date: September 29, 2026
Closing Date: October 12, 2026
Location: [On-Site] Nashville, Tennessee Employment Type: Full-Time Exempt
Salary Grade: LDRS1 Salary: $114,073 - $130,121
Department: Communications
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Lead communications, media relations, branding, public affairs and strategic messaging for MDHA.
MDHA is seeking a strategic, creative and highly skilled assistant director of communications to help lead marketing, branding, messaging, media relations and communications strategy.
This is a high-impact leadership role serving as a trusted communications adviser to senior leadership, leading the communications team, managing the department budget, and serving as a primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
You will help cultivate, present and voice the story of MDHA's work to create, preserve and support affordable housing while strengthening Nashville's communities.
- Lead and oversee the agency's marketing, branding, messaging and communications efforts.
- Develop, implement and evaluate communications plans aligned with agency priorities.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to the chief of staff and executive leadership, identifying communications needs, anticipating potential issues and recommending approaches that support agency priorities.
- Maintain consistent, accurate, accessible and audience-appropriate messaging across MDHA.
- Manage communications projects and the agency's communications content calendar to coordinate initiatives, timelines and deliverables.
- Lead, coach and develop communications staff while actively contributing to the day-to-day work and execution.
- Establish priorities, expectations and performance goals.
- Manage and update the communications budget, vendors, contractors and resources.
- Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for MDHA.
- Write and distribute press releases, statements, advisories and other materials to the media.
- Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
- Prepare senior staff and Board members for interviews and public appearances.
- Coordinate with the Mayor's Office communications staff and other Metro public information officers.
- Engage with community leaders, stakeholders, and public and private partners.
- Write speeches, executive messages, talking points, presentations and other communications.
- Lead the strategic planning, writing and content development of the agency's annual report and annual calendar.
- Create, review and/or edit publications, newsletters, feature stories, flyers, presentations, grant applications, requests for proposals (RFPs), reports and other agency materials.
- Collaborate with departments across MDHA to communicate programs, initiatives and community impact.
- Develop and maintain crisis communications procedures.
- Coordinate crisis messaging and updates for media, employees, stakeholders and the public.
- Plan and coordinate the agency's special events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings and other high-profile activities.
- Represent the chief of staff or MDHA at events and meetings as assigned.
- Perform work outside normal business hours, including weekends, when needed.
In your first six to 12 months, you will help MDHA:
- Proactively identify emerging communication needs and opportunities and recommend a path forward.
- Strengthen consistency across agency messaging, branding and communications.
- Expand media relations and increase opportunities to share MDHA's work and impact.
- Build strong working relationships and collaboration across departments.
- Advance the communications team's processes, priorities and overall effectiveness.
This role works across the organization and with external partners, including:
- Chief of Staff and executive leadership
- MDHA department directors and assistant directors
- MDHA Board of Commissioners
- Residents
- Community stakeholders and partners
- Metro department public information officers
- Local, regional and national media
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business administration or a related field.
- Eight or more years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media, marketing or a related field.
- Strong critical thinking and strategic judgment, with the ability to assess complex situations, anticipate implications and recommend a clear course of action, particularly under pressure or during a crisis.
- Proficient in AP style, WordPress, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, social media, Microsoft SharePoint, Monday.com and web-based tools.
- Strong eye for photography, design and visual storytelling.
- Experience managing team communications and providing leadership, direction or supervision.
- Ability to develop and implement communications strategies and manage multiple, deadline-driven projects.
- Experience with media relations and executive communications.
- Established local media relationships and knowledge of the Nashville/Middle Tennessee media market.
- Experience working with public agencies, local government, housing authorities, nonprofits, community development organizations or other mission-driven organizations.
- Knowledge of affordable housing, rental assistance, project-based rental assistance (PBRA), Section 8 and workforce housing.
- Experience serving as a spokesperson or primary media contact for a reputable organization.
- Experience in crisis communications.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Analyze complex issues, identify communication challenges and opportunities, and develop thoughtful, practical solutions.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with residents, employees, leadership, Board members, partners and the public.
- Think critically and strategically.
- Maintain a strong, proactive mindset.
- Represent MDHA confidently and professionally in public and media settings.
- Build trusted relationships across diverse audiences.
- Manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Exercise sound judgment and discretion, especially when handling sensitive information.
- Apply knowledge of public information laws and applicable regulations.
This position operates in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with employees, residents, community partners, leadership, Board members, media and the public.
The position may require work outside of normal working hours and/or weekend work based on agency events, media needs, crisis communications or other priorities.
THE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AGENCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND HIRES REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AGE, RELIGION, AND DISABILITY, GENETIC INFORMATION OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.
Upon reviewing all applications submitted for job openings, the Human Resources Office will notify those applicants who are selected for personal interviews. Applicants selected for a position must successfully pass a pre-hire physical examination and drug screen in order to be hired. MDHA is certified by the State of Tennessee as a Drug-Free Workplace
701 South Sixth Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37202
www.Nashville-MDHA.org
TDD#252-8599
To request reasonable accommodation or assistance with language interpretation
Contact: 252-8550
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